Most people slow down as they get older, but not Neil Dooley, he’s still going strong even after reaching 60.
“I still regularly race triathlons and duathlons every year. I raced a marathon and an ultramarathon in 2025 as I think it’s good to mix things up a bit.
“I have also competed as part of the British Triathlon age-group team in championship duathlons in Denmark, Transilvania, and Switzerland.“
But despite the amazing memories, Dooley has struggled to pick out a favourite one from his travels.
“I’ve got too many! I can’t really pick a favourite as such, but I do really enjoy the team relays that we race in at the end of the season, and being involved in Tri In The Park.“
And Tri In The Park has been a massive success for Dooley’s club, Cheltenham Triathlon, for which he has been not just a member but also the membership secretary for over ten years.
“It is a fantastic event and it’s always a pleasure to be involved with. The junior races in particular are an absolute delight. It was originally an adult race, but we added a junior race as well which has become extremely popular.”
Race director Becky Drewett also highlighted how the event has allowed complete novices to enter the sport acting as a ‘taster for triathlon’ if you will.
Winning the Regional and National Small Event of the Year award in 2022 just two years after the club won the South West Club of the Year has also done wonders for the event.
“The junior event, it’s about offering a family and budget friendly introduction to the sport. Bringing the club together to work with and for the local community to promote grass roots local triathlon and sports,” said Drewett.
And that success has translated to club membership figures, with a waiting list of almost two years to join.
Dooley suggests that while they have been limited by their swimming capacity, they still do their upmost to make their athletes feel welcome.
“We wish to continue to support and encourage our members as much as possible, whilst still retaining the social aspect of the club. We cater for all athletes, from absolute beginners to age-group athletes representing GB.
“We promote our coaching team from within the club to help foster learning and help build our community. “
